Ideas
8 Ideas for Creating a Soft & Stylish Living Room with a Bouclé Sofa
The living room is a space where you often spend time with loved ones, unwinding, or even socialising. So, you want to make sure it’s stylish, yet soft and comforting. If you’re looking for a piece of furniture that ticks those boxes, look no further than a bouclé sofa. These popular products have emerged as coveted pieces, known for their unique texture and inviting appearance.
If you’re in love with bouclé sofas as much as we are, then we have eight ideas for creating a soft and stylish living room that you’re sure to swoon over. Let’s dive in!
Discover gorgeous bouclé sofas and more in our Sofa & Chair Product Library.
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What is a Bouclé Sofa?
Bouclé, French for "curled" or "looped," refers to the textured fabric featuring looped and curled yarns. This gives bouclé sofas their distinctive soft and textured feel, which not only adds visual interest but also tactile appeal. The fabric's resilience and comfort make it an ideal choice for a piece of furniture that's as functional as it is stylish.
Image credit: Grèce | Brock Beazley Photography
The Benefits of Bouclé
The beauty of bouclé really sits within the benefits. Bouclé brings a touch of sophistication and warmth to any room. Its texture offers a contrast to sleek, smooth surfaces, providing a balance in modern interiors. Beyond aesthetics, bouclé is durable and forgiving, making it a practical choice for homes where the sofa is a focal point of any lifestyle.
Mood board created by E N V I S U A L D E S I G N on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by Hardware Concepts on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
1. How to Choose Your Bouclé Sofa Colour
Choosing the right colour for your bouclé sofa is paramount to the aesthetics and atmosphere of your living room. Neutral shades like ivory, beige, and grey offer versatility and a timeless appeal, while bolder hues can create a statement piece. We recommend considering the room's existing colour palette and lighting when selecting your sofa's colour.
Image: McMullin & Co | III Rooms Sydney
2. Styling Your Bouclé Sofa with Your Coffee Table
When it comes to making your bouclé sofa work with your coffee table, there really aren’t too many restrictions. Bouclé sofas, like any other sofa, will work well in with a coffee table, so long as the palette matches and the layout allows for it. Our only advice is to opt for a smooth coffee table, like something in stone or wood, to really accentuate the texture within the bouclé material.
Discover Your Complete Living Room Guide to Coffee Tables | Interior Design Dos and Don'ts.
Mood board created by James Lane on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
3. Pairing with Bouclé Armchairs
Pairing a bouclé sofa with armchairs in a matching fabric can create a cohesive look within your living room. However, if you are looking to change things up, choose armchairs in a contrasting fabric or colour for a more eclectic vibe. This mix-and-match approach adds depth and interest to your living room.
We have all your armchair inspiration! Explore Nine Ultra-Chic Armchair Ideas for Your Living Room.
Image credit: HAAUS. | Villa Styling
Image credit: HAAUS. | Villa Styling
4. Pairing with Bouclé Ottomans
Similarly to armchairs, incorporating a bouclé ottoman could be the perfect addition for added functionality and style. It can serve as a footrest, extra seating, or even a makeshift coffee table. Choose an ottoman in the same colour as your sofa for unity and an added layer to the space.
Mood board created by Flawless Interiors Melbourne on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by PAX Interior Design on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
5. Bouclé Sofas in Minimalist Style Living Rooms
Bouclé sofas are the perfect option for minimalist style living rooms. They add depth and interest without overwhelming the space, which is exactly what you want to achieve when it comes to minimalism. Our only advice is to keep your surroundings simple with clean lines and neutral colours to really let your bouclé sofa be the focal point.
Image credit: AM Interior Studio | Brock Beazley Photography
6. Bouclé Sofas in Japandi Style Living Rooms
The Japandi style—a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics—embraces simplicity, natural elements, and comfort. A bouclé sofa fits perfectly into this ethos, offering a soft, inviting texture amidst the style's characteristic clean lines and earthy tones.
Discover 10 Tips for Creating a Japandi Style Living Room.
Mood board created by Kanla Perla on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
7. Bouclé Sofas in Contemporary Style Living Rooms
In contemporary settings, a bouclé sofa adds a tactile dimension to the sleek, modern design. Pair it with luxury materials, such as marble, warm tones, and plenty of interesting décor to create a balanced, current look.
Mood board created by Arc + Arlo on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by Ellie Mannix on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
8. Balancing Décor with your Bouclé Sofas
To prevent the room from feeling overwhelmed by texture, balance the bouclé sofa with smoother surfaces and simpler décor items. Think artwork, rugs, and soft ceramic vases. These items will also help enhance the appeal of your bouclé sofa. For example, a rug can anchor your living space and complement your bouclé sofa through contrasting textures, such as a smooth, plush rug to juxtapose the sofa's material.
If you’d love to incorporate a rug into your living room but aren’t sure how we’ve got 12 Living Room Rug Ideas That Will Complete Your Space.
Mood board created by Tallira | The Rug Collection on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by The DIY Decorator on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
A bouclé sofa is more than just a piece of furniture; it's a statement of style and comfort. Whether you're aiming for a minimalist, Japandi, or contemporary aesthetic, there are numerous ways to integrate this versatile piece into your living space. By considering colour, coordinating with other furniture pieces, and balancing textures, you can create a living room that's both cosy and chic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What matches with a bouclé sofa?
A bouclé sofa is incredibly versatile can be matched with a variety of items depending on your desired aesthetic. Smooth-textured rugs, marble or wooden coffee tables, and glass accents complement its texture. For a cohesive look, bouclé armchairs or ottomans are also ideal In terms of colour, both neutral and vibrant hues can coordinate with the sofa's colour, enhancing the room's overall palette.
Is bouclé a good fabric for a sofa?
Of course! Bouclé is a good fabric for a sofa due to its durability and comfort. The fabric's looped and curled yarns create a unique texture that is not only visually appealing but also tactilely inviting. Its thickness and weave contribute to its durability, making it suitable for everyday use. However, the choice of fabric also depends on your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
How do you style a bouclé couch?
It depends on your home's aesthetic, but styling a bouclé couch involves balancing its texture with other elements in the room. Use contrasting textures like smooth, plush rugs or natural materials, such as stone accents to create visual interest. Incorporate throw pillows and blankets in complementary colours or materials for added warmth and style. Keep the surrounding décor simple if you want the couch to be the focal point, or use it as a base for a more eclectic mix of patterns and materials in the space.
Is bouclé trendy or timeless?
Bouclé is considered both trendy and timeless. While it has seen a resurgence in popularity throughout the industry, making it trendy in contemporary interior design, its texture and aesthetic appeal give it a timeless quality. Bouclé has been used in iconic furniture designs for decades, which helps it maintain a sense of timelessness despite current trends.
Why is boucle so popular?
Bouclé fabric has gained popularity for several reasons, particularly in the interior design industry. Here's why it's such an appealing addition to your home:
Textural Appeal: Bouclé provides a unique textural element that adds depth and interest to interiors. Its looped and curled yarns offer a tactile quality that's visually inviting and comfortable to touch, which is especially appealing in home environments where cosiness is a priority.
Aesthetic Versatility: The fabric's texture and variety of colours allow it to fit seamlessly into various décor styles, from modern and minimalist to Japandi. It can serve as a neutral base or a statement piece depending on the chosen colour and context.
Comfort: Bouclé is soft to the touch, adding a layer of comfort to furniture. This makes bouclé-covered pieces like sofas and chairs particularly inviting to sit on, enhancing the overall sense of comfort in a room.
Iconic Design Association: Bouclé has been associated with iconic furniture designs, such as those by Eero Saarinen and other mid-century modern designers. This association with classic design has bolstered its status in the design world.
Durability: While it's soft and inviting, bouclé is also relatively durable, making it suitable for pieces of furniture that see regular use. Its textured nature can help disguise wear and minor stains, contributing to its longevity.
Trend Influence: Interior design trends have recently favoured textured, natural materials, which has helped bouclé gain popularity. Its ability to add warmth and character to a space aligns well with current design preferences that emphasize comfort and approachability in home décor.
